Boost for Galway as Sammon announces side

Galway's senior footballers are set for a huge cash boost as they head into their opening National Football League tie against Laois this Sunday at Tuam Stadium (throw-in 2pm).

Following the recent decision of long-time sponsor Tommy Varden to end his relationship with the Galway Football Board comes the news that Galway football has received a significant cash boost with the announcement last night of Aer Arann as their new sponsors.

The airline will be principle sponsors of all Galway county football teams for the next five years.

Meanwhile, Galway manager Liam Sammon has named his side to face Laois this weekend.

Galway have had to plan for their opening league games without the services of Padraic Joyce. The veteran forward was shown a straight red card in the Tribesmens' recent 3-9 to 0-10 win over GMIT in the FBD league.

That game also brought a double blow to Galway's league aspirations with defender Michael Comer suffering a broken jaw.

Last year Galway reached the semi-finals of the NFL but failed to build on their earlier good performances.

Damien Burke is a direct replacement for Joyce in Sunday's team, in what is just one of ten changes in personnel from that eight-point victory over GMIT.

Adrian Flaherty replaces Paul Doherty between the posts, while team captain Kieran Fitzgerald, Damien Burke, Niall Coyne and Darren Mullahy all return in defence.

Joe Bergin and Mark Lydon form a new midfield partnership, while Matthew Clancy, Michael Meehan and Sean Armstrong return to the full-forward line.

Sammon has also launched a book for charity, which is entitled 'Optimising Performance in Gaelic Football' and is aimed at coaches and players.

Galway have also qualified for the Connacht FBD League final and will face NUI Galway in the decider in mid-February.

GALWAY (NFL v Laois): Adrian Flaherty; Kieran Fitzgerald (capt), Finian Hanley, Damien Burke; Niall Coyne, Diarmuid Blake, Darren Mullahy; Joe Bergin, Mark Lydon; Niall Coleman, Fiachra Breathnach, Declan Meehan; Matthew Clancy, Michael Meehan, Sean Armstrong.